The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft outline zoning plans for Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Mid-levels East and Aberdeen & Ap Lei Chau, the Town Planning Board says.

The four plans are:

* Draft Wan Chai Outline Zoning Plan (re-numbered as S/H5/23);

* Draft Causeway Bay Outline Zoning Plan (re-numbered as S/H6/14);

* Draft Mid-Levels East Outline Zoning Plan (re-numbered as S/H12/10); and,

* Draft Aberdeen & Ap Lei Chau Outline Zoning Plan (re-numbered as S/H15/21).

The Chief Executive in Council approved the draft plans between March and September 2003, but referred them to the board for amendments incorporated in the revised Master Schedule of Notes in December 2003.

The revised schedule, endorsed by the board in February 2003, provides greater clarity and certainty in the land-use zoning system, enhances consistency in planning control, increases flexibility for change of use, and reduces unnecessary planning applications.

On May 28 last year, the plans incorporating amendments were exhibited for public inspection, during which five objections were received. Upon completion of the objection consideration process, the plans were submitted to the Chief Executive in Council for approval.

The four approved plans are now available for public inspection during normal office hours at the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, the Planning Enquiry Counters in North Point and Sha Tin, the Hong Kong District Planning Office in the North Point Government Offices and at District Offices.